Hall’s owner urged to rethink deal

UNION leaders today urged the owners of Hall’s of Broxburn to think again about their rejection of a Scottish Government rescue plan.

Dutch company Vion turned down Finance Secretary John Swinney’s offer to buy the closure-threatened meat plant – which employs 1700 workers – and lease it back to them.

In a statement, the company said: “It would be wrong to accept the offer of public money knowing it is significantly below the amount required to resolve the core legacy problems at the site.”

Usdaw official, Lawrence Wason, said there was “bitter disappointment” at Vion’s reaction. He said senior management were due to meet union officials on Tuesday and he hoped to hear an explanation for their stance.

He said: “I have asked them to reconsider the offer. If this plant closes, it will devastate West Lothian.”